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Scythe Ashura Review

Scythe Ashura Introduction:

Scythe has been around since 2002 and may be best known for its cooling fans, but it also has an impressive line of fan controllers and CPU coolers. Late last year, OCC reviewed the Mugen Max, my first experience with a Scythe cooler, and it performed well. Now we have the Ashura, which is a single tower-style air cooler that comes with one GlideStream 140mm PWM fan.

Today there is an influx of affordable liquid All-in-One (AIO) coolers on the market, but air coolers are still relevant and still typically less expensive than liquid coolers. I admit that I am a fan of liquid cooling, but the unmistakable reliablity of air coolers is hard to beat. Currently Scythe only offers air coolers and I wonder if the Ashura will perform as well as the Mugen Max - we will find out a little later. Let's take a closer look and see what the box says about the Ashura.

Scythe Ashura Closer Look:

The box is rather colorful and busy with fancy graphics. On the front of the box there is a large 3/4 color view of the cooler. Various badges with the socket coverage and the Scythe logo along with the bold, colorful Ashura text lets you know exactly what is in the box. The colorful badges let you know that this cooler is Multi Core, Intel LGA 2011, Intel LGA 1155, and AMD AM3+ / FM1 / FM2 ready. Across the top is another shot of the cooler showing a hardware list and letting you know that a second set of fan mounting clips are included, but that a second fan is not.

The side panels are really packed with information, including photos and descriptions of the various features, mounting process, dimensional information, and specifications in six languages. No space is wasted on the side panels. The rear of the box has the warranty terms and safety reminders. It is interesting to see such detailed safety information.

When you open the box, there is a thin, open-cell foam pad on top. Under the top pad are two thicker pads on the sides. The Scythe logo on the black top cover greets you as you remove the top pad. Then there is the hardware box and a cardboard sleeve that holds and protects the fan. While the packing is minimal, it gets the job of protecting the contents done.

The main hardware box contains all the mounting hardware you need for the installation — including the base plate and base mounts for Intel and AMD installations, mounting screws, thermal paste, fan clips for two fans, and even a small wrench.

The instruction set is printed on the front and back of a single sheet and is quite thorough. The illustrations are highly detailed and are clear and easy to follow.